In the news this week, Japanese researchers have invented a tiny kinetic generator, about the size of a pencil tip, that generates 20 times more power than anything else that size. Powered by vibrations, it could lead to cellphones and similar pocket-sized devices which recharge themselves as you walk.
On Chanukah, the Rabbinic Commandment is fulfilled with a single light each night. But that single light, the Rabbis said, is so important that a beggar, living off charity funds, must hire himself out or beg money for the express purpose of having that light. That single light publicizes the miracle of the single container of pure oil, which, in turn, told the faithful Jews that G-d Blessed their efforts to fight against the Greeks and their supporters.
Our Sages also tell us that “G-d’s lamp is a person’s soul.” Every person carries within him or herself much more power than we may recognize. There is no such thing as an insignificant person — each and every one of us is G-d’s lamp, capable of brightening the entire world!
Please take a look at our Chanukah articles at Torah.org, and listen to our Chanukah audio at TorahMedia.com.
Good Shabbos, and a Happy Chanukah!
Rabbi Yaakov Menken
Director, Project Genesis – Torah.org
